HDFS Major: General Option

HDFS undergraduate option

Help communities grow stronger

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The study of helping others

Explore how individuals develop over time in the contexts of family, school, work and society. Learn how resiliency and relationships are developed and maintained, especially in challenging circumstances, such as living in poverty. With the general HDFS major option, you’ll learn how to empower individuals, families and communities to survive and thrive.

The HDFS general option ...

  • Combines well with a minor or a second major in liberal studies, allied health professions, psychology, public health, sociology, Spanish, women’s studies, and gender and sexuality studies.
  • Is ideal if you’re interested in education, social work, allied health sciences or other helping professions.

Ecampus

This major option is also available 100% online through OSU Ecampus, ranked No. 4 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Online program details

Picture life as an HDFS student.

Sample schedule

Required classes for the HDFS general option.

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Oregon State’s human development and family sciences program is ranked No. 5 in the nation.
-College Factual

What can you do with the general HDFS major option?

The general HDFS major option will open doors to careers that directly impact the lives of others.  

With an HDFS degree you’ll be ready for professional work or graduate study in fields such as education, social work, allied health sciences or other helping professions

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in this field are projected with faster than average growth over other career fields.

 

Start with the HDFS general option and become:

*These roles may require post-baccalaureate/graduate/professional education to qualify.

  • Adoption agency counselor
  • Childcare coordinator
  • Community activity director
  • Emergency relief worker
  • Housing service worker
  • Marriage and family counselor
  • Nurse*
  • Social worker
  • Teacher*
  • Youth program specialist

Explore other human development and family sciences major options

Select an option that matches your interests and career goals, whether it’s working with children, the elderly or providing services for families and communities.